Navigation: Jump to content areas:

Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: Dog Football! Which Breeds Are Best Suited For The Gridiron?

Center Court: Ben Ball (Cal) Game Thread

Uclabear1_tiny by Nestor on in Basketball

You all ready for THIS?


Photo Credit: Daven Hill

Let's get this year's Ben Ball's post season party STARTED.

The game is on FSN/Prime. Tip-off is set for 2:30 pm PST. You can follow/track the game online via this link in the official site

Time for our AA and rest of his team-mates to regain their momentum and kick start another magical run.

Join in all the madness around our Ben Ball warriors in 2007's first post-season game thread.

Fire away.

GO BRUINS.

Comment 430 comments  |  0 recs  | 

Do you like this story?

Comments

Display:

Hell yes, I'm ready
I'll be following along at work.  Who the hell comes up with a 2:30 Pacific time start for us?

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 12:10 PM PST reply actions  

Tom Hansen = Pac-10 Commissioner
widely known as one of Rupert Murdoch's bitches.

by bluestreet on Mar 8, 2007 12:12 PM PST up reply actions  

Must be
That's the only logical explanation.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 12:14 PM PST up reply actions  

It makes so much sense
doesn't it?

You got UCLA = the hallmark program of Pac-10 playing in a tournament in its hometown.

So of course slot their game for a time while everyone is at work.

I wonder if there were any objections from Morgan Center to this?

by bluestreet on Mar 8, 2007 12:16 PM PST up reply actions  

YES!
I was thinking the same thing! How lame is this garbage? A 2 30 game on a thursday?!?! The Pac-10 commish, may he rot.
Victory or until next year!

by ncrpz2 on Mar 8, 2007 3:53 PM PST up reply actions  

maybe it's for the East Coasters
who can get off work by 5 AND get home in less than 1/2 an hour.  Oh well, it should be to our advantage, since Cal has less time to recharge, and we'll have more time (knock on wood) for the next opponent.

by isodore on Mar 8, 2007 12:23 PM PST reply actions  

No problem with the time...
a)  It counters other teams' whining about us having a homecrowd advantage

b)  Cal has way less than 24 hours to recuperate.

c)  East Coast can see us (I hope, i hope, i hope) having a strong game against a lower-seeded Pac-10 team.

d)  If, if, IF!!! (no jinxing) we move on, it gives US a full 24 hours to recover.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 12:27 PM PST reply actions  

Anyone know if . . .
I can listen to the radio feed of this game online WITHOUT having to pay any money.  Considering that this is the Tournament, and considering that AM 570 in Los Angeles is broadcasting all games, it seems like I should be able to get the game somehow through the internet.  any thoughts anyone?

by rfirpo on Mar 8, 2007 12:37 PM PST reply actions  

No
AM 570 does not broadcast games online.  

by MOlson on Mar 8, 2007 1:08 PM PST up reply actions  

Actually, . . . . after some research . . .
It looks like our game is free through the UCLA website.  Usually you have to pay for UCLA all-access, but the game is listed as free.  Also, AM 570 might play the game as well since it is a Pac-10 Tournament game (but I am not sure about that).  Regardless, you can listen to non-UCLA Pac-10 Tournament games on AM 570 am - I listening to the Arizona v. Oregon game online via the AM 570 website.

Incidentally, the standard is getting destroyed by Oregon right now.  Down 19 late in the 2nd haf.

by rfirpo on Mar 8, 2007 1:56 PM PST up reply actions  

They are
The score of their game is even worse than those unis, now trailing by 21 with less than 2 minutes to go

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 2:10 PM PST up reply actions  

Walt Hazzard
From someone who suffered through the Walt Hazzard years, when The Standard regularly pummelled us (thanks to Sean Elliott, who did seem to be a classy guy), I have no love lost for the Mildcats.

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 2:02 PM PST up reply actions  

yes
sign up for free with CSTV and you'll get it for free.

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 1:57 PM PST up reply actions  

Question about that
I don't have sound on my computer here at work or I haven't figured out how to get sound(probably a good thing overall).  Is there at least a graphic of the score?  This is the first time I will be using this.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 2:13 PM PST up reply actions  

Yes
There is a gametracker component through cstv. When given the option to listen, select "follow this game" (or something along those lines". This gives a real time score update, along with updating boxscore and play-by-play. One caveat is that it is not always reliable (sometimes stops updating for a period of time).

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 2:19 PM PST up reply actions  

Not bad
this should definitely keep Ernie Kent around a little longer at Euegne. I don't mind that at all.

by bluestreet on Mar 8, 2007 2:21 PM PST up reply actions  

sidenote
Being on spring break certainly makes it easier to follow along with the conference tourneys. (lol)

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 2:35 PM PST reply actions  

Mr. BB starts spring break on Saturday
However, he will only be staying until Tuesday since he has to work.  This year, we won't share any March Madness in person.  Have I mentioned that grad school sucks?

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 2:41 PM PST up reply actions  

wish i was on spring break too...
embarassed to say i work for suc but i snuck out early to watch the game anyway

by bruinnpme on Mar 8, 2007 2:42 PM PST reply actions  

Thank You Slingbox
At my office where there's no cable.

So game on full screen on Slingbox and Powerbook -- and I'm on the desktop with my BN friends.

Life is good.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 2:47 PM PST reply actions  

you just need
to connect slingbox to your Blackberry and you are at the peak of technological empowerment!

by sausmaf on Mar 8, 2007 2:49 PM PST up reply actions  

Start it off right
Like that commercial more and more....

GO BRUINS

by sausmaf on Mar 8, 2007 2:47 PM PST reply actions  

Don't think so
just like KD Braun gets to come back for at least one more year. For KD its Pac-10 championship or bust, for Braun it's probably Steve-16 or bust.

by bluestreet on Mar 8, 2007 2:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Unbelievable...
...even for TrOJans.

It would be a shame if there was a rift on that team because of this...

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 2:58 PM PST up reply actions  

Trojans
They sound like bunch of Ann Coulters in football uniforms. Not only they are bunch of thugs, apparently they are bigots.

by bluestreet on Mar 8, 2007 3:00 PM PST up reply actions  

We Need FT's
Critical to post season play.

AA missing 2?

Yuk.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 2:59 PM PST reply actions  

Flat? Rusty?
Which one is it?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 3:04 PM PST reply actions  

damn
My beer run caused me to miss the first 5 minutes. A serious miscalculation on my part.

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 3:04 PM PST reply actions  

You didn't miss much...
...except the latest TrOJan scandal (see above)

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 3:04 PM PST up reply actions  

listening to the radio...
is not the same as television.  I'm about to fake sickness and head home.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:11 PM PST reply actions  

lol
I'm thinking the same thing, King James; I feel a fever coming on right now.

by bruin95 on Mar 8, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions  

You beat me to the punch on that one
Why can't we get out of the blocks early?  This is a very dangerous pattern.

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 3:14 PM PST up reply actions  

Put Luc on Anderson
He is too athletic and quick for Mata

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 3:14 PM PST reply actions  

Fucking shit!
Sorry for all the obsenities, but since I can't yell here at work, this is my outlet.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 3:16 PM PST reply actions  

Dangerous game...
I emailed my Cal friend this morning because this was not who I wanted to play today.

This game means FAR more to California than to us.  A loss by Cal, and their season is OVER.  A win and they keep hope alive to keep playing (at least NIT).

We are a 1 or 2 seed no matter what.  And it is hard to beat a team like this three times in a year.

Get this even by halftime and I think we will come out breathing fire in the 2nd half.

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 3:17 PM PST reply actions  

Shipp is....
keeping us in this game.  We need AA and DC to get it going.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:18 PM PST reply actions  

nevermind
Spoke too soon.  WTF is going on today?

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:19 PM PST reply actions  

My gosh...
...we are in foul trouble, DC looks like a Freshman, we aren't playing any defense at all...

I have tickets for tomorrow night...this is a nightmare.

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 3:20 PM PST reply actions  

too many....
jump shots.  They need to get in the key and get some easier shots and maybe some free throws.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:20 PM PST reply actions  

This is so pissing me off
One reason is because a couple of weeks ago my dad was asking about my birthday (it falls during the Final Four) and I said it all depends on where we are in the tournament.  He said, "Well, you aren't going very far.  You don't have a center."

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 3:21 PM PST reply actions  

know how you feel
UCLA lost championship last year, the day after my birthday.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 3:24 PM PST up reply actions  

The worst part is that my dad
Has been drinking the Southern Cal Kool-Aid.  He does believe in Kevin Love, but he sucks up to Pom Pom all the time, and I think actually believes that OJ Mayo will give us trouble.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 3:28 PM PST up reply actions  

Mata has played well ...
but we aren't going in to him.

Too many turnovers.

Too few Afflalo touches.

No defense.

We had to wake up in this game to get back our momentum.

This sucks.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 3:25 PM PST up reply actions  

the media circus
Had fucked up DC's concentration.  

by bruinofthenorth on Mar 8, 2007 3:23 PM PST reply actions  

where is AA???
Damn, I need a tv here....

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 3:24 PM PST reply actions  

One field goal in 11 minutes.
This is pathetic.  So long #1 seed.

by LA Seitz on Mar 8, 2007 3:25 PM PST reply actions  

Down by 14, 6 1/2 left...
...and they're in the bonus.

Oh geez...

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:25 PM PST reply actions  

Keep it close
We are a great second half time.  I HATE the fact that we seem to play down to our opponents and just do not seem to focus well in the first half.

But we need this game.  We need as good a seed as possible in the tourney.

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 3:26 PM PST reply actions  

If we play down,
we don't want a good seed.

We'll get beat by a #16.

Maybe we need a low seed and play a number 4 or 5.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 3:30 PM PST up reply actions  

Interesting theory
I'd rather get my house in order and be the #1 seed.  Based on the rankings, we are one of the best teams in the country, but we keep falling into this pattern.  ARGGHHHH!

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 3:49 PM PST up reply actions  

STOP...
taking jump shots.  get to the key and the foul line.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:27 PM PST reply actions  

Three in transition!
Next time, Shipp, GO INSIDE, &!#@ IT!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:30 PM PST reply actions  

It's about time.....
get to the hole and create.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:30 PM PST reply actions  

OK, Shipp is OK to hit 3s...
...since he's 4 for 5.

Everyone else -- KISS THE EFFING RIM!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:30 PM PST reply actions  

YES, YES, YES....
Let's go. time to get in the game.

by king James on Mar 8, 2007 3:31 PM PST reply actions  

AA needs to man up...
... and avoid fouls.  It's a dogfight all day.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:31 PM PST reply actions  

Just tuned in
Just started listening on the net (couldn't wait for TIVO).  How bad has it looked?  What's killing us?

by Menelaus on Mar 8, 2007 3:31 PM PST reply actions  

ourselves
anderson looking good too

by sausmaf on Mar 8, 2007 3:32 PM PST up reply actions  

WTF?
Am I missing something here?  Is the POY AA playing?  WSU might as well been the NCAA Championship because something is not right here.  AA's got to demand the ball!

by NYCLAFan on Mar 8, 2007 3:31 PM PST reply actions  

Who would guess
that Shipp would be the one keeping us in this game?  Where is everyone else???

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 3:32 PM PST reply actions  

I really wish it was Shipp in the lane
and not shooting jump shots.  That is not conducive to winning.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 3:34 PM PST up reply actions  

Another Cal 3...
...and they're getting every loose ball.  We have to play with our hair on fire.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:32 PM PST reply actions  

AA
How can AA only have two shots in one half?  It's like they're trying to play keep away from him.  

by NYCLAFan on Mar 8, 2007 3:36 PM PST reply actions  

SPTR
but they aren't the difference
sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 3:38 PM PST reply actions  

agreed
Our perfomance tonight does not allow us to credibly play that card.

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 3:40 PM PST up reply actions  

That was a HORSESHIT foul call...
...come on!  Can we please use SWAC refs next season?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 3:38 PM PST reply actions  

#1 Seed
If UCLA loses to Cal -- not to jinx -- still a #1 seed in West?  I think not.  

by NYCLAFan on Mar 8, 2007 3:40 PM PST reply actions  

Are we emulating the standard ...
checking out early in the Pac 10 tournament to rest up for the big dance?

I don't think so, we are just playing poorly.

And, I don't want to live on Shipp's 3's.

Turnovers, no defense, What team are we watching?

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 3:40 PM PST reply actions  

We are not getting good shots.
That's not how to end the half.

Damn Slingbox. I'd be better off not watching.

sjh

by Class of 66 on Mar 8, 2007 3:41 PM PST reply actions  

he's hit 5 of those...
i give him a pass right now.

whats up with AA???

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 3:42 PM PST reply actions  

OK, enough is too freaking much.
Darren needs to penetrate, AND feed the guys inside.  Mata started tons of second halves with 2 fouls.  Time to wake the EFF up.

Arron needs to hit off screens -- I don't want him driving recklessly and picking up a 4th.

Luc and Mata and Aboya and Josh MUST, MUST, MUST set GOOD screens.

Russell will be needed for sparkplug work again.

I HAVE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS CRAP.

GO TO WORK, BRUINS.

GO.

TO.

WORK.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:43 PM PST reply actions  

problems
11 turnovers at the half. DC missing everything. AA not getting the ball very often and giving it up quickly when he does. Roll has missed two wide open three-pointers. Cal shooting well, especially Anderson. Looks as if our shooting woes are continuing.

Cal has played as well as they possibly could. We should be able to come back, but we are in foul trouble (AA has 3, Mata 2 or 3) and our D has been awful so far. Hope we turn it around quick.

by ucladj89 on Mar 8, 2007 3:44 PM PST reply actions  

Mata has 2.
We MUST go inside.

2/3 of WIN is "IN."

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 3:45 PM PST up reply actions  

WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON HERE!?!?!?!?
Can someone describe how the first half got like this?  First time I've been able to check the game and I see the score like this?  HOW!?!?!

Is Cal just beating us or are we beating ourselves.  This will make for a shitty weekend!

Go Bruins, Go Howland, F-Lavin, and let's get rid of Dorrell....

by BruinManDan97 on Mar 8, 2007 3:46 PM PST reply actions  

Howland
The one problem with Howland teams at Pitt and UCLA, are that although they're great defensively, they're always lacking any form of offensive consistency.  I know we don't have a post player, but still, we've got to run plays that utilize our guards and passing ability to get easy shots.  I think Howland needs to hire an offensive cooridnator.  This is why we also struggle to get 5-star recruits even though we have a great defensive team.  We have trouble scoring.  The championship PJ Laker teams, the Steelers, the Lady Vols, whatever, great defense, but they can also put the ball in the god damn hole!  Ah!  Less than 30 points in a half should never happen for this team, even if we're playing the fucking Pistons with Ben Wallace.  Jesus.  I'm also in the middle of Midterms and very stressed out.    

by NYCLAFan on Mar 8, 2007 3:47 PM PST reply actions  

Thankful I am at work
And can't watch this on tv. I think I would have thrown my tv out the window by now. From the webcast, it looks like we don't care about this game (much like the UW game). On top of that, is it correct that we have 5 guys with at least 2 fouls, including AA with 3?

Bye bye #1 seed?

by BruinsRule on Mar 8, 2007 3:47 PM PST reply actions  

4 with 2+ fouls
AA and Roll have 3 each, Aboya and Mata with 2 each

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 3:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Be glad you don't have
access to a TV. This is scary bad. We'll do better in the second half since we KNOW Coach is kicking some ASS right now.

by pocho on Mar 8, 2007 3:51 PM PST up reply actions  

PAC-10 Officiating
If everything holds true to what has happened throughout the season, the officiating will flip in the second half.  Everyone on UCLA has 2 fouls and PAC-10 POY A.A. has 3 fouls.  Cal has 6 team fouls in the first half on the other hand.

Those numbers are due to switch, due to the fact that PAC-10 officials are the worst and have no consistency.  the game will tighten up in the second half and UCLA will have a real good shot to win in at the end.

Problem is, UCLA will have to work hard all day and tomorrow they will play an Oregon team that took apart Az with relative ease.

GO BRUINS!

by FullertonBruin on Mar 8, 2007 3:50 PM PST reply actions  

No, they'll have plenty of time to . . .
sit tomorrow unless they pull they're effing heads out and turn this up 5 notches.  A loss in the first round is unacceptable.

by charnaw on Mar 8, 2007 3:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Just doing my usual analysis...
...you can hear on the AM570 post game shows occasionally.

The most glaring thing that I've noticed in the PAC-10 is that the officiating goes from tight to loose in every game.  Also, they lay one team heavy with fouls in the first half and balance it out to the other in the second half.

I do not believe in an inherent UCLA bias one way or the other. I do believe that I've seen it enough to come to believe that it is what happens.  It is their version of keeping a game balanced.  

by FullertonBruin on Mar 8, 2007 4:03 PM PST up reply actions  

We'll be fine
Lets reserve judgement until the game is over. The 1st half was obviously a let down, but do you really expect us to lay down in the second? We've had bad performances like this very recently. I'd also like to echo what a lot of others are saying about being at work and not being able to watch the game which has actually been a blessing in disguise...

by sfatoo on Mar 8, 2007 3:55 PM PST reply actions  

My concern
Is that we need to be turning things up right now, and we're having letdowns at the worst time.  I find it hard to believe that we would still be emotionally spent after the WSU win.

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 4:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Don't lay an Egg!!!
Man up! DC, take care of the frekin rock and AA, stay out of foul trouble.  This is not the way to position yourself for the tourney.

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:00 PM PST reply actions  

IF we didn't ;earn anything from Washington...
... then we're in for a world of hurt.

Momentum is everything...

WHAT?  AA is not starting the half???

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:01 PM PST reply actions  

Captain Obvious...
UCLA will have the first possession...it is an important possession...

Thanks Barry!

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:01 PM PST reply actions  

Oh, no wonder we're playing like shit
Mushmouth is jinxing us!  Thank God I'm not watching!

by bruinbabe2000 on Mar 8, 2007 4:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Come ON, guys...
...cut it to 3 by the 15 minute point!

Way to get inside, Josh!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:04 PM PST reply actions  

Single digits now...
Keep up the good work shipp!

by sfatoo on Mar 8, 2007 4:04 PM PST reply actions  

Shipp w/ the board!
Gotta get the O glass, guys!

STAY AGGRESSIVE!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:05 PM PST reply actions  

What we need...
...is a Cal fan to come in here and tell us he feels "comfortable".

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:05 PM PST reply actions  

More missed FTs...
...hate to say it, but missing FTs will cost you in the field of 64

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:06 PM PST reply actions  

AA having shot problems....
not good for us....missing FTs????

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 4:07 PM PST reply actions  

KEEP GOING INSIDE!
To quote Burgess Meredith in Rocky II:

"THE BODY THE BODY BODY THE BODY!!!"

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:07 PM PST reply actions  

Who was the brilliant poster...
...who said earlier to stop taking jump shots?

Also...CAN WE MAKE A FREAKIN' FREE THROW?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:07 PM PST reply actions  

yes,
drive to the rim boys....thats the key today.

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 4:08 PM PST reply actions  

And a DC 3!!!
Thank heaven.

Let's GO!

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:08 PM PST reply actions  

where's the scoreboard?
why must FSN suck at life so much

by scottbruin on Mar 8, 2007 4:11 PM PST reply actions  

Hey, we're in the bonus now...
... if we could hit from the stripe, we'd feel a lot better.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:14 PM PST reply actions  

Stop shooting threes!
We got back into this game because we kept driving and going inside.  

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 4:16 PM PST reply actions  

Good, DC draws the foul...
...stops the clock, gets fouls on them, and (we HOPE) gets us points.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:17 PM PST reply actions  

Where is AA today?
Is he getting touches? He has to be put in a position to drive UCLA to a win....
BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Mar 8, 2007 4:18 PM PST reply actions  

1 more & in the bonus
Keep on driving that rock into the hole and get to the double bonus.  Stop the clock, foul them out and close the gap.  

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:19 PM PST reply actions  

DC is fouled by Cal after a turnover!
1 and 1.

Foul called, clock stops, DC scores points?

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:19 PM PST reply actions  

DC!!!!!!!!!!
It's about time!!!!!!!!!

DESTROY CAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:20 PM PST reply actions  

And DC to the line AGAIN!
Keep driving, Bruins.

Keep getting turnovers, and KEEP DRIVING.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:22 PM PST reply actions  

The Band is In My Ass
Not too much action on the Cal blog.  4, count 'em, 4 posts, total.

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 4:22 PM PST reply actions  

Whoa, whoa, whoa!!!!!
WTF is going on?

6 guys on the floor?  WTF???

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:22 PM PST reply actions  

Finally!
NOW LET'S PUT THESE GUYS AWAY!

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:24 PM PST reply actions  

DC with the Board
To Shipp, to AA, back to Shipp, to DC, slowing it down, Shipp on the drive -- IT'S GOOD PLUS THE FOUL!!!!!!!!!!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:24 PM PST reply actions  

Thanks MIM...
...Chris Roberts has NOTHING on you!

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:24 PM PST up reply actions  

11:38 left, and we're up by ONE.
Josh to try for the 3-play after the commercial.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:24 PM PST reply actions  

SHIPP!!!!!!!!
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

by kdout on Mar 8, 2007 4:25 PM PST reply actions  

No video
This tracking on the internet is not adequate at all!!! Thanks for the play-by-play.
Bill
BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Mar 8, 2007 4:26 PM PST reply actions  

MIM is in charge...
...he gives good play by play.

Anyone to vote for him replacing Tompkins on the rest of the tourney?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:27 PM PST up reply actions  

HEART
That's what we got!

by zokle on Mar 8, 2007 4:27 PM PST reply actions  

got the lead
and the double bonus. Now only if we could hit free throws

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 4:27 PM PST reply actions  

Only 4 pts...
in 2nd half for CAL.  Good defense or bad shooting or combination?  No TV at work.  :(

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:28 PM PST reply actions  

Why is the crowd "booing"...
...I don't get it...

Signed,

Diane Pucin

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:28 PM PST reply actions  

Josh missed the throw.
And I'm biting off of Roberts' calls, folks.

Luc fouled by Ubaka under the hoop off AA entry pass.  Ubaka's 2nd.

DON'T LET UP, NATION!

mim

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:28 PM PST reply actions  

With this crappy FSN production...
...we kind of need you to tell us what is going on.

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:29 PM PST up reply actions  

Luc makes the 1st...
...and bounces the 2nd, BUT GETS THE PUTBACK AND THE FOUL!

Let's GO, NATION!  LET ME HEAR IT!

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:29 PM PST reply actions  

45-41...
...BUT LUC MISSES THE 3RD.

10:40 LEFT.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:29 PM PST reply actions  

Good defense
Good defense plus the ball's staying on our end cuz we're attacking the basket and getting offensive boards.

by scottbruin on Mar 8, 2007 4:29 PM PST reply actions  

DC in the paint, gets stripped.
Over passing by the team.

Anderson hits a 3.

46-45 Cal.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:30 PM PST reply actions  

DC answers BACK with a 3
Inadvertent whistle.

We're back up by 2.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:31 PM PST reply actions  

DC!!!
Please protect the rock!

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:31 PM PST reply actions  

Foul on Shipp on a TRIPLE TEAM on Ubaka
Only our 2nd foul this half?  

AND WE'RE IN THE DOUBLE BONUS???

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:32 PM PST reply actions  

ALERT: Aboya gets his FOURTH foul
Trouble, folks.  3 fouls on one possession.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:33 PM PST reply actions  

Now Shipp has his 3rd.
FOUR fouls on one trip.

Cal hits 1st, Mata rebounds 2nd.

Roll out.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:34 PM PST reply actions  

AA
Not that it matters, but it doesn't look like AA's consecutive double-digit scoring streak will last.  In fact, I hope that it doens't so that he'll come out firing and on fire the next few games and the tournament.  I can't remember the last time the reigning POY scored less than ten points in a post-season game.

Bruins up two on a DC three right after Anderson hit a 3.

by NYCLAFan on Mar 8, 2007 4:34 PM PST reply actions  

Luc with a garbage putback!
Off of Shipp's tons-o-contact drive!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:35 PM PST reply actions  

New Network?
How about the Pac 10 gets a contract with a network that is more capable of producing a basketball broadcast...like Nickelodeon?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:35 PM PST reply actions  

Heavenly Father...
...He who lives in skies of blue and gold...

...Please bless Lorenzo's hands with softness, suppleness, and skill...

...In the name of all that is good and pure and Bruin...

AMEN.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:38 PM PST up reply actions  

And Lorenzo makes...
... ONE OUT OF TWO.

God works in mysterious ways.

Shipp gets the board, out to AA, Luc, then Josh -- MATA WITH THE RIGHT-HAND HOOK JUMPER!!!

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:40 PM PST reply actions  

Luc gets another BLOCK!
Whistle and foul on ...

ARRON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  (fourth foul)

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:40 PM PST reply actions  

Mata
Thanks for allowing my waste of company time to serve a purpose.  :)

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:40 PM PST reply actions  

Mata back in...
and I believe he has.. THREE fouls?

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:42 PM PST reply actions  

Win or lose
Aboya came to play today like he always does.  Good work.  Lots of heart!

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:43 PM PST reply actions  

Is AA injured?
Are we going to learn after the game that AA has some injury we didn't know about?  He has one point?

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 4:43 PM PST reply actions  

AA...
please no more long jumpers

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:44 PM PST reply actions  

Leave Roll out of it for now
AA has to win/lose the game for UCLA.... get the ball to him, long range, short jumpers....
BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Mar 8, 2007 4:45 PM PST reply actions  

DC misses 360 shot, Luc gets the board.
Luc to the line.  Timeout on... whom?  Each only had one left.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:46 PM PST reply actions  

21 fouls
and theres still 3 and a half to play

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 4:47 PM PST reply actions  

All he does is shoot threes
So if he does not get an open three or is shooting badly he will not score.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 4:50 PM PST up reply actions  

Free Throws...
I know a girls JV team that shoots them better than this...

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 4:50 PM PST reply actions  

Still has no fouls
I remember at the beginning of the season someone saying he'll be good if he doesn't foul out in the first half

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 4:54 PM PST up reply actions  

Mata grabs the Cal miss AND IS FOULED!!!
Harrison throws elbow into Mata, and LOMA to the line!!!!!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:53 PM PST reply actions  

Ok Mata
for you, that is acceptable

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 4:54 PM PST reply actions  

Win or Lose.....
14-27 FT's does not equal "One Shining Moment".  Better correct this.

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:55 PM PST reply actions  

1:25 left. UCLA up by 3. Cal with the ball.
Cal gets a 2nd-chance -- HITS THE THREE!  Crap.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:56 PM PST reply actions  

39.2 left. UCLA up 61-59.
DC has 16, ALL THIS HALF.

AA w/ 4 fouls and ONE point.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:57 PM PST reply actions  

Cal Timeout
This is the absolute last time I will do this internet access... from now on, regardless, a TV or else!!!
BillSouthBay

by Mensgym on Mar 8, 2007 4:58 PM PST reply actions  

UCLA in man D.
Watch for Anderson and Ubaka from outside...

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:58 PM PST reply actions  

39.2 seconds
Cal Possession arrow
UCLA w/7 team fouls

Need a stop

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:58 PM PST reply actions  

It's obvious
We make our free throws and we are all breathing easy right now.

by Barnes2JJ on Mar 8, 2007 4:58 PM PST reply actions  

DC misses a jumper...
...we're going to OVERTIME, folks.

Bob Myers is saying DC could've gotten a better shot.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 4:59 PM PST reply actions  

No doubt...
...DC didn't start attacking until there was 5 seconds left.

Not that I could even begin to tell Ben how to coach, but here was a situation we could have used a timeout.  But we had none left.

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 5:00 PM PST up reply actions  

OT
DC missed 3 at end

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 4:59 PM PST reply actions  

For fucks sake
Drive!!! You just scored in seconds driving the ball.  Stop settling for threes.  

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 4:59 PM PST reply actions  

STATS OF THE GAME
AA  1pt 0 reb 1 ast 4 fouls ... i never thought id see the day.
FT 14-27

by charnaw on Mar 8, 2007 5:00 PM PST reply actions  

OK, folks...
Arron's got 4 fouls.

Mata's got 3.

Luc and Roll and Shipp have 2.

DC has NONE.

LET'S GO TO WORK.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:01 PM PST reply actions  

Afflalo
has just disappeared in this game. Way to prove your All American status.

by BruinFanatic1988 on Mar 8, 2007 5:01 PM PST reply actions  

UCLA controls the tip.
AA hits the reverse layup!!!!!!!!

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:02 PM PST reply actions  

Afflalo
a trio of threes and hes got 10 points

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:02 PM PST reply actions  

Please AA
no more jumpers. Drive it!

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 5:03 PM PST reply actions  

Double Ubaka
Make someone else beat us!

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 5:04 PM PST reply actions  

Ubaka
8-11, 23 pts.

AA can't guard him or he fouls out.  Somebody get the rock out of his hands.  Don't let the Senior beat us.

by BlueReign on Mar 8, 2007 5:05 PM PST reply actions  

We're 14-27...
...and DC MISSES THE FIRST!!!!!!

14-28.

DC misses the 2nd.  1 point down.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:05 PM PST reply actions  

How does a nationally ranked bb team...
...shoot Free Throws like this?

by bbuclabruins on Mar 8, 2007 5:05 PM PST reply actions  

Driving= score
Launching threes= possible loss of a #1 seed

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:05 PM PST reply actions  

Mata fouls Cal.
Mata's 4th.

We've blown FOURTEEN FREE THROWS.

Ugh.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:05 PM PST reply actions  

Cal up 67-64.
Mata is STILL in the game.  Only 4 fouls.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:06 PM PST reply actions  

Cal
have they scored all of their possessions

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:06 PM PST reply actions  

keep it up
we are at work, and need updates...keep it up.

by ftothefan on Mar 8, 2007 5:09 PM PST reply actions  

Every game we lose
we make a charge but can't sustain it.  We got within four against WVU, 1 to UW.  This seems similar to those games.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:10 PM PST reply actions  

Mata hits a slam.
AA commits 5th foul.  OUT OF THE GAME.  :55 left.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:11 PM PST reply actions  

UCLA down by 6.
AA out.  :55 left.

I say again.

DAMN.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:11 PM PST reply actions  

As I said
Shooting threes= we are fucked

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:12 PM PST reply actions  

Ubaka hits the first.
AND the 2nd.  Down by 8.  :55 left.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:12 PM PST reply actions  

AA
if hes 2-4 FT we'd be watching Stanford-USC right now

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:13 PM PST reply actions  

IF ANYONE made more FTs
it would've been different.  this was a TEAM effort.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:15 PM PST up reply actions  

Shipp misses a 3. Roll to Luc. DC misses the 3.
UCLA baord again.  We miss a 5-footer.  Mata now fouls out.

25.9 left.  Down by EIGHT.

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:13 PM PST reply actions  

Well we deserved to lose
We play like complete idiots on offense.  Got back in this game and took the lead because we drove and then we just stopped doing it.  Why?  I have no fucking idea.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:14 PM PST reply actions  

HORRIBLE!!!
AA must've read the press clippings, what an AWFUL performance!!!
He's not the only one, BUT...

by bruinwinna on Mar 8, 2007 5:14 PM PST reply actions  

If this is how we close out a season
We deserve to get shipped out to Chicago, Jersey, or east Podunk. Wherever the hell the eastern regional is being held.

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 5:15 PM PST reply actions  

We
are not going far in the tournament. This team has lost their swagger. Their is no excuse for this loss.

by BruinFanatic1988 on Mar 8, 2007 5:16 PM PST reply actions  

Epic embarrassment
I don't want to overreact, but there is no way to spin this as anything other than a total embarrassment.  

I have long complained that our offensive system is pathetic, and that as good as we execute on defense we are equally awful in general executing offensively.

I hope I am proven wrong and look like an ass for these comments, but I am not happy.

by paulucla @ Bruins Nation on Mar 8, 2007 5:16 PM PST reply actions  

bad game
except for the first 10 min or so of the second half we're beaten 72-49. Embarassing

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:17 PM PST reply actions  

Anybody want $225 worth of useless tickets?
My family got ahead of themself and bought me $225 worth of Semi-Final and Finals tickets. Anybody want to help me salvage some money from my birthday present?

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:19 PM PST reply actions  

AA's Line
STARTERS FGM-A FTM-A OFF REB AST PF PTS
A. Afflalo, G 0-4 1-4 0   0   0   4  1

More like that and we may get another year out of him!

by bruinwinna on Mar 8, 2007 5:19 PM PST reply actions  

OK
Not able to listen to hardly any of the game...
Just threw up (literally) first I saw.
thx

by bruinwinna on Mar 8, 2007 5:21 PM PST up reply actions  

make free throws and none of this happens!!!!!!!!!
14-28 is not going to get it done in college, high school, AAU, or on my street against the 7 year olds!!!!   Make one more free throw and we are not in OT.

by ucla8 on Mar 8, 2007 5:19 PM PST reply actions  

Today we saw all our faults come to surface
Collison still dribbles too much on the perimeter and does not get the offense moving.

AA relies too much on shooting threes.

We do not play smart offense at all.  We seem to forget that getting the ball in the post is very productive for us.

Collison needs to drive more.  AA and Shipp need to play in the post more.

Our defense only lasts in stretches.

Ben does not trust the bench at all.

We need more players that can create their own shot.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:20 PM PST reply actions  

Tears don't win ballgames.
I don't care if the team cries in the lockerroom.  They cried after every loss.  And no amount of tears helps you make free throws.

13 misses on 27 free throws will NOT do it.

Starting guards with NO points at halftime don't win games.

Ill-advised 3s don't win games.

Double-digit 1st-half deficits sure as heaven DON'T win ballgames.

Defense AND offense wins games.

And free throws count as offense.

Damn.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:21 PM PST reply actions  

I Think I'm Going To Cry
My whole weekend is not just blown.....at this moment I don't even care about Selection Sunday.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:23 PM PST up reply actions  

Also, because of our defensive system
we do not have enough players crashing the boards.  Guards are taught to run back and guard.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:23 PM PST reply actions  

Exactly the opposite last year
We got better as the season progressed and tore up the Pac 10 tournament.  This year we've gotten worse as the season progressed and totally choked away the tournament.  

Last year we played our way up to a #2 seed, this year we're playing our way down to one.  Just not good at all. We could be bounced out early.

by ucla21 on Mar 8, 2007 5:23 PM PST reply actions  

Glad I didn't come to LA for the tourney
Would have been getting into LAX right about now.

by bruinhoo on Mar 8, 2007 5:23 PM PST reply actions  

doubts
No way the team isn't starting to doubt itself at this point. FT were awful, shooting terrible, lots of turnovers, flat emotionally, D wasn't there. Don't think we could have looked much worse than we did tonight. Hope we can right the ship or else we're done by the Sweet 16.

by ucladj89 on Mar 8, 2007 5:24 PM PST reply actions  

If we play like this again....
we could lose to any motivated team. I'm sad to say the Bruins showed no heart at the end of this game.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:25 PM PST up reply actions  

It was not lack of heart
it was lack of brains.  Our intelligence as a team is vastly overrated.

by trainwreck84 on Mar 8, 2007 5:28 PM PST up reply actions  

Good thing theres a 15 or 16 waiting
if we beat them like we beat OSU we'll be much better off.

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:31 PM PST up reply actions  

Didn't want Collison either
He bricked it plenty in the first 40 minutes. We get it, you're pro-DC, anti-AA, but DC was the reason that we were down so much in the first place, so don't give me that bullshit about AA being solely responsible for this.

by Tydides on Mar 8, 2007 5:24 PM PST reply actions  

To steal from a movie, though...
"Why do we fall?  So we learn better how to pick ourselves up."

Last year, we were a #2.

Watch what happens, Nation.  Watch what happens.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:25 PM PST reply actions  

I'm not sure where your positive feeling
and pick-me-up attitude comes from, but I certainly appreciate it.  I'm not even close to there.

by rfirpo on Mar 8, 2007 5:39 PM PST up reply actions  

Last year a #2...
...in the West.  This year, not so much.

by LA Seitz on Mar 8, 2007 5:54 PM PST up reply actions  

HAVE FAITH.
I know it hurts, but HAVE FAITH.

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:56 PM PST up reply actions  

I'm not certain, but
we may be the only #1 seed in the country to lose in the first round of a conference tourney this year.  I always worry before a game, but I never really thought we'd lose

by charnaw on Mar 8, 2007 5:26 PM PST reply actions  

Collison
his problem is he can't manage the clock.  Every time we are in position to get the last shot we might as well go into the locker room.  And the UA game which he shot so well in people forget that we had no time left on the shot clock often

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:26 PM PST reply actions  

We might still be a one
depends on NC/Fla/Wisc in their conf tourneys

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:28 PM PST reply actions  

This is the third time
we played Cal this year.  It shouldn't be THAT big of a surprise they finally beat us.  I think we're 4-2 against them in the last 6 meetings.  I'm not worried because we're not going to face teams in the tournament who have faced us 3 times this year.  We're going to have a good tournament.   And if not, we won the Pac-10 for the second year in a row.  It's not the end of the world.  We'll be fine.  We regroup and get ready for whatever the selection committee gives us and go to battle.

by bruin95 on Mar 8, 2007 5:28 PM PST reply actions  

Washington loss = not so meaningless
Also heard lots of Bruin fans poo-pooing the Washington loss as meaningless.  It's a giant loss now if we're held out of the #1 seed.

by ucla21 on Mar 8, 2007 5:32 PM PST reply actions  

1 loss on Thursdays
interesting stat

This game went on for 2 hours 40 minutes. wow

by SuperBruinMan on Mar 8, 2007 5:32 PM PST reply actions  

We could not have ended this season . . .
worse.  Not only did we lose twice to end the season.  But we got out hustled, out muscled, and out-hearted.

We do not deserve a # 1 seed, though we still might get it.  God this is so painful.

We have to wait a week now--a week of misery and pain.  And if and when we are in the Tournament, this will linger.  It will always linger, it will be in the back of their minds, are we that good."

This is sickening.  There are no positives.  The Tournament lost all of its luster, Sunday's seeding show now sounds more like a sentencing, and the season which was so remarkable 3 hours ago, now looks tragically sad.  I am deflated.

by rfirpo on Mar 8, 2007 5:36 PM PST reply actions  

I'm with you...
Losing to two teams who aren't even considered good enough to garner a #12 seed in the NCAA tournament is a horrible way to end the season. This season feels like the exact opposite of last years final four run because we really seem like we've lost all of our momentum. Sure, the lower seeds like Cal in the Pac-10 are a lot stronger this year than last, but we just seem tired and exhausted now.

Who knows though? Maybe the two extra days of tough practices and rest will do us good... Although I really don't know how much of a silver lining that really is....

by sfatoo on Mar 8, 2007 5:43 PM PST up reply actions  

YES, we STILL CAN GET A #1 SEED.
(1)  We have a ridiculous combo of RPI and SOS.  Most teams have one, but not the OTHER.

(2)  Due to regional pod-bracket concerns, we are still most likely going to be OUT here for the 1st weekend, at least.

(3)  Who is our coach?

He doesn't look like Jim Harrick.  He teaches players to be TOUGH.  

He doesn't look like Mr. STP.  He actually coaches fundamentals.

He doesn't look like Lute Olson.  HE COACHES DEFENSE.

I KNOW this hurts.  I know it does.  It hurts me, too.  My boss and one of my colleagues went to Cal, and I'm getting drilled.

BUT WE WILL BE BACK.

When all else fails, what do you have?

You have your core.  Your roots.  Your heartfelt belief.  Your self.

And what is this team built on, MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE.

DEFENSE.

Defense can be sharpened, honed, re-tooled, rebuilt, and refocused.

If this, THIS vomit-inducing abomination is the one single last KICK IN OUR ASSES WITH RED-HOT CLEATS that the team needed, well, better NOW than next week.

I BELIEVE in Ben Howland, and that he will draw on his experience and knowledge and love for UCLA basketball to pull this team back.

I BELIEVE in the fire and pride of Arron Afflalo, and that he will rise to the challenge, ring the bell, and ramp it up ONE MORE TIME, once and for all.

I BELIEVE that Darren Collison will draw from his second half, and make sure that we don't EVER come out in a first half like this again./

I BELIEVE that Lorenzo Mata will go 50%+ on FTs in the Tournament.

I BELIEVE that Shipp will realize he not only needs tos core, but to help when the leader has his hands full.

I BELIEVE that Luc Richard Mbah a Moute will overcome his surprise at his first March loss, and not let up the rest of the way.

I BELIEVE that Mike Roll, Alfred Aboya, and Russell Westbrook will realize jsut how fragile the team's success is, and not leave anything to mere chance or "to the other guy" and step up.

I BELIEVE IN THIS TEAM.

I BELIEVE IN COACH HOWLAND.

I BELIEVE THE BRUINS.

And for now, I'll keep believing until you're ready.  Not blaming you one bit, not puffing myself up.

This HURTS... palpably.

But I just want the Dance to start already.  No more prelims.  Get us a couple of rpactices and a clean bill of ehalth from this game, and LET'S GO.

Let the other 63 underestimate us.

I dare them to.

"Why do we fall?"

"So that we might better learn to pick ourselves up."

MIM

by Meriones on Mar 8, 2007 5:54 PM PST up reply actions  

Great quote
Batman Begins is one of the best movies of all time. Let's hope that we get up and stay up for the rest of the season.

by sfatoo on Mar 8, 2007 6:04 PM PST up reply actions  

Was This:
Ben Howland's worst loss ever? I'm emotionally crushed. I have tickets for both tomorrow and Saturday. It hurts just thinking about how worthless they are now compared to how much I was looking forward to the games just 3 hours ago.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:40 PM PST reply actions  

This Newbie is SICK to my Stomach
I know Ben Howland is God on this board.
Of course he has done wonders for the program.
I LOVE Ben Ball.

BUT.....

Let's look at his UCLA record in post-season tourneys:

2004 Pac-10 Tourney: Out in 1st round
2005 Pac-10 Tourney: Out in 1st round
2007 Pac-10 Tourney: Out in 1st round

2005 NCAA Tourney: Out in 1st round

And while his teams in 04 and 05 suffered from Lavinitis let's not forget that Mr. Lavin's 11-18 team
did bounce #1 Arizona in the 2003 Pac-10 Tourney.

The 2006 run was magic.  And Howland gets all the credit for that.  But he needs to get the blame for all the first round bouncings.  Very Jim Harrick like really.  Harrick had one amazing run and about 5 first round flops.
At least Harrick won it all.

The 2 Seniors and Jordan led this team last year and I fear that this UCLA squad will have a hard time making it to the 2nd weekend this year.
Affalo might have lost an NBA contract in 45 horrible minutes today.

I just hope they get a #2 West Seed and not a #2 or #3 out East.

#12 is a pipe dream now and lets hope USC doesn't win this thing, which is very possible now.

by Diego Bruin on Mar 8, 2007 5:41 PM PST reply actions  

That's Just Crazy
It sounds like you're saying Jim Harrick was a great coach. He was a cheater, a liar and a lowsy coach when it came to defense. I wouldn't trade Howland for anybody.

Thanks for the perspective. Now I know this feeling will pass.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:44 PM PST up reply actions  

How can you compare yet
when in 04 those weren't even Howland's guys and in 05 we were relying on freshman.  I'm gonna say this year is an aberration.

In 06, we were still relying on our sophomore stars and the senior leadership of, again, non-Howland recruits.

We should at least wait and compare to when Howland has had some players stay in his system for all four years combined with the young talent he gets like Love and our 08 backcourt.

by captain mightykite on Mar 8, 2007 6:03 PM PST up reply actions  

Dude-WTF?
Way off base with the comparisons. Harrick's flameouts were so much worse b/c we had so many great teams that just got their asses kicked by decent teams (Tulsa) or lost to far weaker seeds (Princeton, Penn State.) The 2005 UCLA loss in the first round was to a quality opponent and I don't think we were the favorite (IIRC, TT was a lower seed than us.) Plus, Harrick had way more talent at his disposal, especially in the middle-Zidek was a far better all-around center than Mata. Before knocking Howland's post-season resume, we need to see how UCLA does this year.

This game obviously raises lots of red flags, but Howland's NCAA record at UCLA, which means a heck of a lot more than his PAC-10 tournament record, is still 5-2. As for his coaching, taking us to back-to-back PAC-10 titles with the teams we have is simply an outstanding achievement, and most of the legitimate criticisms he has merited (such as questionable timeout strategy, occasionally confusing substitution patterns) are hardly serious criticisms given the results the past three seasons. I am starting to wonder about our habit of slow starts, but I can't really blame Howland since it is obvious that UCLA's consistently excellent second half performances makes it hard to argue that he cannot motivate. For me, the most likely explanation is that DC is still just a sophomore and still is somewhat inconsistent in shooting and decision-making, we really miss Ced, as our defensive intensity is down markedly with Shipp, and we just don't have the inside game we developed with Hollins late last year. Mata has come a long way, and so has Aboya, but neither are really solid low-post threats. And that makes us more one-dimensional than is optimal, and if we have bad shooting nights or fail to take care of the ball, as we did tonight, we will lose.

I hate seeing us lose, but we will absolutely have one chance to really overwhelm somebody as either a no. 1 or a no. 2 in the West. We aren't being shipped out of the West and whatever team we play will not be in the same league as Cal or most of the teams in the PAC-10. Hopefully we can shake these late-season blues and get it going.

by ucladj89 on Mar 8, 2007 6:52 PM PST up reply actions  

team did not show character or heart
the team I was impressed with all season was not on the court.  they were there briefly, getting back in it and then out to a 5 point lead. at that point they just let up. a friend told me to watch out for the bruins in this tournament because they had nothing to gain from playing it.  my friend was right and we played like it. disappointing.  in the end, a great season but they are in danger of making it meaningless.  im beginning to wonder now about our chances to go very far and that is a first for me this season. this team needs to focus and they arent doing it at the most important time.  disappointing.

by DumpDorrell on Mar 8, 2007 5:45 PM PST reply actions  

ugh
I wasn't watching this game (laundry day). I came home and just looked at the score and was stunned. This is awful. If this was the 2nd round I'd feel a lot better. But Cal? Jeez. I don't know what to say.  I didn't think this team could collapse like they have. A week ago I was drooling over the dance. Now I am dreading it.

by njbruin on Mar 8, 2007 5:46 PM PST reply actions  

I'm just saying...
That Howland and Harrick's record (no coaching style) are looking similar today.

Early bouncings/embarassments in post-season tournaments.
One magical run to the title game.

This year feels like 1994 when we were #1 in January and then bounced by Tulsa in the first round.

Howland doesn't have lifetime immunity from criticism.

His failure to get this team ready to play today needs to be looked at.

Now let's hope he prepares them better for next week.

by Diego Bruin on Mar 8, 2007 5:50 PM PST reply actions  

My hope
Is that this game serves as the wake up call. We talked all season about 'The Bullseye' being on our team. Well, Cal just shot us right between the eyes.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Oh God....
The sky is falling over there.

And how will the players feel? They shouldn't even be on campus tomorrow and Saturday. I hope the embarrassment burns like a hot coal in their stomach.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 5:55 PM PST up reply actions  

Aaron Afflalo
Silver lining?  AA best come back for senior season.  I don't think that many All Americans have such an horrible performance as he had today and this game didn't do much for his "draft" status.

by eltoloc on Mar 8, 2007 5:54 PM PST reply actions  

Let's not forget
that last year we had those two losses in a row to UW and sc.  Right after that we started to really come together.  It was a little earlier in the season but I think that with this extra time off the players will take the time to learn a lot from these losses and come back and make another run.  March is the best time for a run you know.

Yes this was disappointing but it's not the end of the world.  We're still the best in the West and that means a lot in going to Sacramento/San Jose.

by captain mightykite on Mar 8, 2007 5:55 PM PST reply actions  

Agreed...
Damn, people, where's your perspective? We are still best in the West for sure. We lost, and many of the talking heads are STILL saying we can be a top seed.

Relax. We can't quit on our team yet.

by pocho on Mar 8, 2007 6:50 PM PST up reply actions  

26 WINS
#1 RPI, #6 SOS, Ben Howland

by bruin95 on Mar 8, 2007 5:59 PM PST reply actions  

true dat
we would all take that if we were given it at the beginning of the season. we'd be laughing.  this team still outperformed my expectations this year.  lets hope this really pisses them off and from here on out its money time.  

by DumpDorrell on Mar 8, 2007 6:03 PM PST up reply actions  

It's undoubtedly going
to piss Arron off and it'll trickle down from him.  We need Luc and Mata to get going earlier in the game.  We're depending on our perimeter shooting WAY too much, evidenced by 16 attempts a piece for Darren and Josh.

by bruin95 on Mar 8, 2007 6:08 PM PST up reply actions  

The Only Way I'm Cool With This
Is if Cal wins the damn Pac-10 tourney.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 6:03 PM PST reply actions  

THREE
First Round Pac-10 Exits in Four Years, Ben Howland.

by Diego Bruin on Mar 8, 2007 6:05 PM PST reply actions  

Diego, take off the mask
and fill your half empty glass.  He won 2 pac-10 titles in four years.

by bruin95 on Mar 8, 2007 6:10 PM PST up reply actions  

TWO Of Those THREE
We were not the clear cut favorites.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 6:15 PM PST up reply actions  

frankly I give a rats ass about the Pac-10 tourney
its mostly meaningless. Who friggin counts them?! 2 Pac 10 titles in 4 years, including the last 2 is something we count.  Still its the NCAA tournament that matters, and 04 and 05 were rebuilding years.  06 was an NCAA Finals year.  07 still to be told.  If we make it to the Final Four with this team we should be naming something after Howland.  I never expected Final Four from this team this year but never doubted they could do it either.

by DumpDorrell on Mar 8, 2007 6:22 PM PST up reply actions  

Buh bye
bandwagon rider. See you later.

by Nestor on Mar 8, 2007 7:07 PM PST up reply actions  

A COME TO JESUS MOMENT.
I'm not ready to give up on the season. Today's game just revealed some of the things that have been wrong with our game over the course of the season.

We have not come out in the first half with the intensity and game that should go with a championship team.

We need to find a way to get our offense started in the first half without throwing up prayers (3 pointers) and hoping that they will be answered. Why not run some plays at the start of the game to establish our inside game?

We are sorely lacking in the middle, and we have consistently had trouble with big, physical teams. Mata has to step up, but he isn't capable of carrying the load without a lot of help. Today, they shut down Aflalo and Aboya, and Mata is not capable of carrying the load on his own.

Aflalo has generally performed as a player over the course of the season, but I sense that he has been lacking as a team leader. I'm not sure who they look to as the leader, but we still have our chance to go deep, if not all the way in the NCAA. The team needs to show the fire and determination necessary to win. Howland has the opportunity to go back to the gym, rest up the team (and heal Aboya), and spend the week working on getting developing the energy necessary for complete efforts.

I have made some of the same comments earlier in the season. Some of my friends here at bruinsnation have called me out as being negative or disloyal. I don't think I have been either -- simply realistic and objective.

Let's get real. Howland is a good guy and a knowledgeable coach. He has the opportunity to show that he has some steel in his backbone and the ability to push our players to another level. We have some good players, but our level of talent is not so great that we can win without a better level of effort.

by uclagradscdad on Mar 8, 2007 6:05 PM PST reply actions  

hmmm
can you get your all-america card revoked? if so, afflalo would be in trouble. no excuse for an all america to have this type of performance.

by jose007 on Mar 8, 2007 6:15 PM PST reply actions  

The All America Jinx Strikes Again
I can't count how many times I've seen a player get named to the All America team only to play like crap in their next game.

by alcor805 on Mar 8, 2007 6:19 PM PST up reply actions  

If anybody sees
Aaron or Darren on campus tomorrow, you better call them out.  Especially tell AA to stop crying about losing and instead do something about winning.  3 points....you've got to be kidding me.

by Desacrator on Mar 8, 2007 6:25 PM PST reply actions  

I really don't see how that will help
They know best how big of an egg they laid.  AA has the draft to worry about, and a showing like that can't help.  He will rebound, and that will make DC's life easier.  Turning on your own when times are tough is an act of cowardice,  I would not respect anyone who does so.

by sausmaf on Mar 8, 2007 6:53 PM PST up reply actions  

Howland
did anyone see the press conf. i heard Howland was pissed. if so give us a Link

by uclaov1 on Mar 8, 2007 6:33 PM PST reply actions  

Something else was up with AA...
he looked like he was sick, even early in the game. Am I looking for an excuse? No. But he did look pale and off.

by pocho on Mar 8, 2007 6:57 PM PST reply actions  

Noticed that too
something was wrong, you could see it in his eyes.

That fire and determination, just wasn't there, for whatever reason.

Hopefully whatever it is, he shakes it off by next Fri.

by godblesstyus95 on Mar 9, 2007 2:25 AM PST up reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed

Search

User Tools

Welcome to Bruins Nation, an unofficial daily online scrap book covering the greatest collegiate athletic program in the nation. Established June 16, 2005. GO BRUINS.

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recommended FanPosts

Ks_ucla_small
A Break From Sports: Fun Old Pix of UCLA, Westwood

by KSBruin 4 days ago

35 comments | 5 recs

Small
UCLA Vital Signs and the Chianti Cancer

by BruinAlum2011 11 days ago

53 comments | 10 recs

Recent FanPosts

Ucla_trumpets_small
Photos from UCLA vs. U$C

by b d about 1 hour ago

0 comments

Jaxnjaz_school_pic_11_2011_small
Ben Howland Cracks ESPN's Bottom 10

by charnaw about 12 hours ago

19 comments

Licenseplate_small
Who Is Your Most Hated anti-UCLA Villian?

by gbruin about 18 hours ago

159 comments | 2 recs

Small
Comparison to Stanford Athletics Fundraising

by islandbruin about 21 hours ago

3 comments

Brad_pitt_as_achilles_small
Warning: Southern Cal May Have Better Hoops Future than UCLA

by Achilles 1 day ago

31 comments

Troll_small
Hoops Thoughts

by Penny2i 3 days ago

24 comments

Uclabear1_small
Atlanta Fans Are Not Too Amused By Jim Mora's Falcon Comments

by Nestor 3 days ago

28 comments

Small
The Moment I Realized Howland Lost Me

by rocket rod forever 3 days ago

9 comments

Ucla_trumpets_small
Photos from UCLA vs. Cal

by b d 4 days ago

1 comments

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

Recent Posts

SBNation.com Recent Stories

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 22: Head coach Frank Haith of the Missouri Tigers watches from the bench during the Progressive CBE Classic finals against the Cal Golden Bears on November 22, 2011 at Sprint Center in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

Who Deserves To Win College Basketball's Coach Of The Year? It's A Close Race

CAPTION: Jan 4, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish guard Jerian Grant (22) looks for an open player against the Cincinnati Bearcats in the second half at the FifthThird Arena. The Bearcats defeated the Fighting Irish 71-55. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-US PRESSWIRE

Notre Dame's Turnaround: How Have The Irish Done It?

UNLV 's Chace Stanback (22) reacts in the final seconds of overtime in an NCAA college basketball game against TCU Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2012, in Fort Worth, Texas. Stanback had 17 points in the 102-97 loss to TCU. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) +3 updates

Morning Dribble: UNLV Shocked By TCU, Virginia Falls To Clemson

More from SBNation.com >

Managers

Uclabear1_small Nestor

Arron_afflalo1_small Tydides

Brad_pitt_as_achilles_small Achilles

377011_2642084725867_1068030137_32302525_1166539782_n_small Ryan Rosenblatt

Telemachus_small Telemachus

Licenseplate_small gbruin

2761_small tasser10

Blue_bellerophon_small Bellerophon

Img_0052_2_small Patroclus

Small DCBruins

Of Counsels

094_small Ajax

Menelaus2_small Menelaus

Small Meriones

Small Odysseus

Associates

Eee_small freesia39

Uclabruins_small AHMB